Tom Cruise is no stranger to box-office success, but 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick takes the cake in terms of the actor’s biggest blockbuster, which is quite the accomplishment considering the A-lister filmed the original, Top Gun 36 years earlier.
The movie generated an eye-watering $1.4 billion at the box office and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was repeatedly praised for single-handedly saving movie theaters. Cruise, meanwhile, was deemed Hollywood’s guardian angel.
Had it not been for James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, he would have been named the biggest star to headline the biggest film of the year. If you’re one who believes Avatar‘s success comes from its immersive CGI alone (and not its story), you still might.
Ever the action movie star, Cruise is known for not relying on CGI to do carry out his stunt work, even if that sometimes leads to injury.
While there were trained Navy pilots actually piloting the jets in Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise was still flying around in an F-18 Super Hornet, which is impressive to say the least, especially considering the film takes place a full three decades after the first one. Naturally, that begs the question of just how old Cruise was when he was climbing inside the cockpit. Both times.
The Age of Tom Cruise in Top Gun
The first Top Gun was directed by Tony Scott and released in 1986. Tom Cruise was a young man in the film, as he was born in 1962, making him only 24 years old when the movie was released. The film followed Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot United States Naval Aviator — played by Cruise — as he is sent to attend TOPGUN, the Naval Fighter Weapons School. Alongside him is Lieutenant Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, played by Anthony Edwards, who died halfway through the film, as well as his rival, Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, played by Val Kilmer.
Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, continues the story of Maverick, who is now a captain, as he is picked to instruct a new team of pilots for a dangerous mission. Among these expert pilots is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, who is the son of Goose, Maverick’s best friend who died in the first film.
Cruise’s age in Maverick is interesting in that he was technically 57 years old when the movie finished filming in 2019, but due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself at the ripe age of 59 when it was finally premiered in theaters in May 2022.
Tom Cruise’s Love for Speed and Aviation
Tom Cruise’s love for speed and aviation is evident throughout his career. He has a real need for speed and has been involved in various adrenaline-pumping activities like sea-kayaking, caving, fencing, rock-climbing, and flying helicopters. Cruise has a pilot’s license and has flown various aircraft, including the vintage P-51 prop plane. He finds flying to be a poetic experience, allowing him to see the world from a different viewpoint and appreciate the power and majesty of nature.
Tom Cruise’s Career and Achievements
Tom Cruise is one of the most successful and lucrative Hollywood actors of this century. He has appeared in numerous blockbuster films, including the Top Gun franchise, the Mission Impossible series, and other hits like Jerry Maguire, Rain Man, and A Few Good Men. Cruise has been nominated for four Academy Awards throughout his career and is known for his dedication to performing his own stunts.
FAQs
How old was Tom Cruise in the original Top Gun?
Tom Cruise was 24 years old when the original Top Gun was released in 1986.
How old was Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick?
Tom Cruise was 59 years old when Top Gun: Maverick was finally premiered in theaters in May 2022.
What other films has Tom Cruise starred in?
Tom Cruise has starred in numerous films, including the Mission Impossible series, Jerry Maguire, Rain Man, A Few Good Men, and many more.
Does Tom Cruise perform his own stunts?
Yes, Tom Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in movies, showcasing his dedication to delivering thrilling and authentic action sequences.
What is Tom Cruise’s net worth?
Tom Cruise’s reported net worth is $620 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood.